Lee Crawford, W.D.M. Valley. Record: 203-102-5. Crawford brought Valley to football prominence in the 1970s. The Tigers have been one of the state's top programs since that time. Bill Neibergall/The Register

Reese Morgan, Iowa City West. Record: 146-70. State titles: 3. Morgan, a current Iowa assistant, completed one of the state's top turnarounds in a program by developing West into a powerhouse. Harry Baumert/The Register

Duane Schulte, C.R. Xavier. Record: 178-79. State titles: 2. Schulte has built a program that has frequently made big accomplishments, including a Class 4A state title in 2006. Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen

Ed Thomas, Aplington-Parkersburg. Record: 292-84. State titles: 2. He produced four NFL players and served as an inspiring figure not only to his players, but the state. Justin Hayworth/Des Moines Regis Photo by Justin Hayworth

The Register's list includes many veteran coaches that piled up triumphs over the course of many years.

There are also younger coaches who have developed dominant programs: Iowa City Regina's Marv Cook won six state titles in his first 11 seasons; West Des Moines Dowling Catholic's Tom Wilson has earned a record five consecutive crowns in Class 4A and won a 2010 title, too.

They're all among the top 50. Most — but not all — have won at least one state title since the playoff system began in 1972. Several pre-playoff era coaches are also in the mix.

What they all share in common is success. Here's our list:

TOP 50 FOOTBALL COACHES

Note: Coaches are listed by the school that they spent the most time at or are most identified with. Records are through the 2017 season.

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Jim Bellamy, shown coaching in 2003, won three state titles.(Photo: Harry Baumert/The Register)

Jim Bellamy, Mount Vernon

Record: 320-126-4. State titles: 3

Bellamy won 268 of his games at Mount Vernon. He retired in 2006. His state titles came in 1974, 1993 and 1994.

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Curt Bladt, shown in 2005, used a golf cart at practice after a knee injury.(Photo: Doug Wells/The Register)

Curt Bladt, Harlan

Record: 407-60. State titles: 11

Inspiring and durable (he fought Guillain-Barre syndrome), Bladt's known for his sense of humor. He's led Harlan to a 5-1 record this year, which is his 41st season. He's reached the playoffs 36 times, including last season.

Matt Dillon, W.D.M. Dowling Catholic

Record: 186-99. State titles: 2

It was Dillon who brought Dowling back-to-back state titles in 2000-01 after the team took runner-up honors seven times. He took Dowling to the playoffs seven times between 1996 and 2004. Currently, he coaches at Fort Dodge St. Edmond.

Bob Evans, Mount Pleasant

Record: 201-92-5.

Evans spent his career coaching the Panthers from 1956-88. His teams won 40 consecutive games during a span between 1958-61.

Jamie Williams (left) and Roger Craig were teammates at Davenport Central, Nebraska and the San Francisco 49ers.(Photo: Register File Photo)

Jim Fox, Davenport Central

Record: 167-72-9. State titles: 3

A great manager and developer of talent, Fox's former athletes Roger Craig and Jamie Williams went on to NFL careers. He won state titles in 1972, 1976 and 1983. He coached for 27 seasons.

Frank Gilson, Newton

Record: 177-64-2. State titles: 1

Gilson helped build a program that has made 25 playoff appearances, including a 1980 title. He led Newton from 1974 until he died during the 1985 season. Prior to coaching the Cardinals, he was at Southeast Polk.

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From 2005: Koy Goodchild shows West Bend-Mallard's football championship trophies while being dwarfed by West Bend's Grotto of the Redemption.(Photo: Register file photo)

Koy Goodchild, West Bend-Mallard

Record: 235-44. State titles: 4

A member of a family of coaches, Goodchild built a small-school dynasty that won four state championships. He reached state title games eight times from 1982 to 2005 before retiring.

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Former Bettendorf star Tavian Banks (right) went on to play at Iowa and in the NFL.(Photo: Register file photo)

Merv Habenicht, Bettendorf

Record: 234-65-1. State titles: 5

An influential coach who developed a program that has piled up 33 playoff appearances, Habenicht coached Tavian Banks and other stars. He retired in 1999.

Norris Hale, Pella

Record: 252-132-7.

Hale earned 12 playoff appearances at Pella from 1978 to 1995, but also published an annual football yearbook read by most of the state's coaches and media.

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Trev Alberts, LB, Cedar Falls Northern University: Two-time all-state selection in 1987-88. Alberts went on to Nebraska, where, in 1993, he won the Dick Butkus Award, the Jack Lambert Trophy and was a consensus All-American. He was the No. 5 pick overall in the 1994 NFL Draft. But as a senior in 1988, he led Northern University High School to its first playoff appearance. Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY Sports,

Tom Altemeier, OL, Newton: All-state pick in 1962. Was also a first-team all-state pick in basketball in 1963. A dominant force in both football and basketball. Went to Luther College and ultimately became an eighth-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1967. Register file photo

Pat Angerer, LB, Bettendorf: A two-time all-state pick in 2003-04. Before Angerer became a household name at Iowa, he was a world-beater at Bettendorf. He still holds school records for most tackles in a game (25) and season (197). He finished his prep career with 344 tackles, 63 for a loss and 17 sacks. Register file photo

John Arnaud, DB, Sioux City North: All-state pick in 1978. Went on to become a four-year letterwinner at Iowa State, where he got the nickname ‘Land Shark.’ Arnaud also won a state track title in 1979 in the high jump. Passed away in 2012 after a lengthy bout with lung cancer. Special to the Register

Tavian Banks, RB, Bettendorf: A two-time all-state pick in 1991-92. Banks went down as one of the best running backs in Iowa high school history, recording 4,317 rushing yards and 75 rushing touchdowns. He was a primary reason why Bettendorf won back-to-back state titles during his junior and senior seasons. re

Jordan Bernstine, DB, Des Moines Lincoln: A two-time all-state pick in 2005-06. Bernstine found fame while playing at Iowa from 2007-11, then played a year for the Washington Redskins before a knee injury effectively ended his career. He was the state’s No. 1 prospect as a senior in 2007. Register file photo

Jay Berwanger, RB, Dubuque Senior: All-state pick in 1931. Berwanger went on to play for the University of Chicago, and in 1935, he became the first recipient of the Downtown Athletic Club Trophy — which was later renamed the Heisman Trophy. He was also the first-ever pick during the National Football League’s first-ever draft in 1936, going to the Philadelphia Eagles. Register file photo

Marv Cook, WR/TE, West Branch: A two-time all-state pick in 1982-83. Actually, in 1983, Cook was an all-state pick at both end and kicker. In 1982, he was an all-state selection at quarterback. Versatile athlete that ultimately went to Iowa and was an All-Pro tight end in 1991 while playing for the Patriots. Register file photo

Roger Craig, RB, Davenport Central: All-state pick in 1978. Helped Central to a state title in 1976. As a senior in 1978, Craig was named a high school All-American after he rushed for 1,565 yards and 27 touchdowns. He went on to Nebraska and, later, the San Francisco 49ers, where he was a three-time Super Bowl champ and two-time All-Pro selection. He is one of just two players in National Football League history to record 1,000 rushing and receiving yards in the same season. Special to the Register

Joel Crisman, OL, Grundy Center: A two-time all-state pick in 1987-88. Led Grundy Center to back-to-back state titles during those years as a junior and senior. Went on to play for the University of Southern California, where he earned All-Pac 10 honors and was an honorable mention All-American. Register file photo

A.J. Derby, QB, Iowa City High: A two-time all-state pick in 2008-09. Accounted for 4,833 total yards of offense — 3,017 passing, 1,816 rushing — and 62 total touchdowns during those two seasons, during which City went 24-1 and won the 2009 Class 4A state title. Register file photo

Jared DeVries (95), DL, Aplington-Parkersburg: A two-time all-state pick in 1992-93. Led Aplington-Parkersburg to 1993 state title as a senior, during which he was selected as a Blue Chip Illustrated high school All-American at defensive end. DeVries also rushed for 4,582 yards and 81 touchdowns over three seasons. Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports

Randy Duncan, QB, Des Moines Roosevelt: All-state pick in 1954. Ultimately went to Iowa where he won the Walter Camp Award, was a Heisman runner-up and played in two Rose Bowls. Before that, Duncan led Roosevelt to an undefeated state championship during his senior season. Also a standout basketball player. Register file photo

Tim Dwight, RB, Iowa City High: A three-time all-state pick from 1991-93. Helped City High to a 13-0 season and state title in 1993. Dwight rushed for 4,230 and scored 83 touchdowns during his three varsity seasons. He went on to Iowa and was twice named a first-team All-American. re

Paul ‘Tiny’ Engebretsen, OL, Chariton: All-state pick in 1927. He ultimately reached the National Football League, where he won three league championships — one with the Chicago Bears in 1932 and two with the Green Bay Packers in 1936 and 1939. He played both offensive lineman and kicker. Passed away in 1979. Register file photo

George ‘Sonny’ Franck, RB, Davenport High School: All-state pick in 1935. Also led Davenport to a state track title, wherein he anchored the 880-meter relay. Went on to Minnesota, leading the Golden Gophers to a national title in 1940 and finished third in the Heisman voting. Register file photo

Robert Gallery, TE, East Buchanan: All-state pick in 1998. Before he went to Iowa and won the 2003 Outland Trophy, Gallery starred at East Buchanan at both tight end and linebacker. East Buchanan went 24-8 during Gallery’s three years in the program. Went on to an eight-year career in the National Football League. Phil Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Dennis Gibson, LB, Ankeny: All-state pick in 1981. Went on to star at Iowa State and played eight years in the National Football League. He knocked down a fourth-down pass in the 1994 AFC Championship that helped the Chargers advance to Super Bowl 29. Register file photo

Jerry ‘Boomer’ Groom, OL, Dowling Catholic: All-state pick in 1946. Starred in both football and baseball at Dowling before going to Notre Dame and becoming a consensus All-American in 1950. He was selected by the Chicago Cardinals in the first round of the 1951 National Football League draft. Register file photo

John Harty, DL, Sioux City Heelan: All-state pick in 1976. Helped the Crusaders to a state championship during his junior season in 1975. Was heavily recruited by both Iowa and Nebraska, but ultimately chose the Hawkeyes and went on to record 232 tackles and became a second-round draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers. re

Dave Haight, DL, Dyersville Beckman: A two-time all-state pick in 1982-83. Went on to Iowa and became the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year as a junior in 1987 and a first-team All-American selection as a senior in 1988. Register file photo

Chad Hennings (95), DL, Benton (Van Horne): All-state pick in 1983. Also a heavyweight state wrestling champion as a senior in 1984. Went on to the United States Air Force Academy, where he started at tight end and then switched to defensive line and became a unanimous first-team All-American pick as a senior in 1987. The Arizona Republic-USA TODAY Sports

Josey Jewell, LB, Decorah: A two-time all-state pick in 2011-12. Led Decorah to a 34-6 overall record in three seasons. He accumulated 246 total tackles and led the Vikings to the state finals in 2011 and a state title in 2012. Also rushed for 3,240 yards and 42 touchdowns in three years as a running back. Bryon Houlgrave/Register file photo

Nate Kaeding, K, Iowa City West: A two-time all-state pick in 1998-99. Made 153 of 160 point-after attempts and 21 field goals during his high school career. Helped the Trojans to back-to-back undefeated state championship seasons as a junior and senior. Also played in basketball and soccer state championship games during his high school career. Went on to Iowa and the National Football League. Register file photo

Aaron Kampman, LB, Aplington-Parkersburg: A two-time all-state pick in 1996-97. Helped lead Aplington-Parkersburg to the 1996 Class 2A state title game. He set records for tackles in a game (26), season (188) and career (447). He was a second-team All-American by USA Today and a Parade Magazine All-American. Went on to Iowa and the National Football League, where he was twice named a second-team All-Pro. Register file photo

Nile Kinnick, RB, Adel: All-state pick in 1933. Led Adel football team to an undefeated season as a junior. Also a standout basketball player. Moved to Omaha ahead his senior year, and became an all-state pick in Nebraska before going on to win the Heisman Trophy at Iowa. Register file photo

Mike Klinkenborg, LB, Central Lyon: All-state pick in 2002. Recorded more than 350 tackles during his high school career. He went on to Iowa and recorded 129 tackles during the 2006 season, the second-most in the Big Ten Conference that season. Register file photo

Allen Lazard, WR, Urbandale: A three-time all-state pick in 2011-13. Hauled in 105 catches for 2,296 receiving yards and 29 touchdown receptions. He also recorded 15 interceptions. He was the state’s top-rated 2014 prospect and a USA Today All-American and played in the 2014 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Register file photo

Oliver Martin, WR, Iowa City West: A two-time all-state pick in 2015-16. Ended his career with 239 receptions, the most in Iowa high school football history, as well as 3,449 receiving yards and 33 touchdown receptions. Was the state’s top-rated prospect in 2017 and played in the 2017 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Michael Zamora/Register file photo

Grant McGraw, WR, Pleasantville: A three-time all-state pick in 1993-95. Finished his career with 46 touchdown receptions, which is tied for second all-time in Iowa high school football history. Recorded 171 catches for 3,710 receiving yards, a mark that sits second all-time.McGraw, right, is pictured with Pleasantville quarterback Scott Koerselman in 1995. Register file photo

James Morris, LB, Solon: A three-time all-state pick in 2007-09. Helped the Spartans to back-to-back-to-back undefeated state championship seasons. Scored 113 career touchdowns, good for third in Iowa high school football history. Also rushed for 6,466 yards and amassed 7,000 total yards of offense in his career. Register file photo

Jerry Moses, RB, Waterloo East: A two-time all-state pick in 1968-69. He was considered one of the nation’s top recruits at the time, and decided to play collegiately at Iowa State over offers from Nebraska, Notre Dame and Alabama, among others. He was picked fifth by Register reporters on a 2013 list of the state’s greatest male athletes. Jerry is shown in 1989 with sons - Milan, 4, and Jerry Jr., 9. Register file photo

Ed Podolak, QB, Atlantic: All-state pick in 1964. Went on to play multiple positions at Iowa, then was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1969 NFL/AFL Draft. At the time of his retirement, he was the Chiefs’ second all-time leading rusher with 4,451 yards. Register file photo

Ross Pierschbacher, OL, Cedar Falls: A three-time all-state pick in 2011-13. Pierschbacher was the state’s No. 1 recruiting prospect as a senior. He was also named a Parade Magazine All-American, a second-team All-American by MaxPreps and was chosen to play in the Under Armour All-America Game. He was a consensus four-star prospect and was tabbed as the nation’s No. 3 offensive guard prospect by ESPN. Special to the Register

Tom Randall, OL, Mason City: All-state pick in 1973. Randall initially wanted to be a big-time basketball player, but he flashed his stellar football abilities during his senior year at Mason City. He went on to Iowa State, where he switched to defensive line, then reached the National Football League, where he played offensive line again. Register file photo

Bill Reichardt, RB, Iowa City High: All-state pick in 1947. He went on to become the Big Ten Conference’s Most Valuable Player and a first-team all-conference selection in 1951. He was later drafted by the Green Bay Packers. Special to the Register

Reggie Roby, P, Waterloo East: All-state pick in 1978. Versatile multi-sport athlete who ultimately became a consensus All-American punter at Iowa in 1981. His career average was 45.4 yards per punt. He went on to play 10 seasons in the National Football League. Register file photo

Bob Saggau, DB, Denison: A two-time all-state pick in 1935-36. Saggau went on to play at Notre Dame, and, in 1940, he held the school record for passing yards in a season with 483. Special to the Register

Tyler Sash, DB, Oskaloosa: A two-time all-state pick in 2005-06. Sash found fame as a safety at Iowa, but he was a do-it-all player for Oskaloosa. He recorded 2,141 receiving yards and 22 touchdown receptions during his three years on varsity. Register file photo

James Vandenberg, QB, Keokuk: A two-time all-state pick in 2006-07. Before playing quarterback at Iowa, Vandenberg set all sorts of state records at Keokuk. For his career, he threw for 7,701 passing yards and 93 touchdowns, both of which rank among the top 10 all time in Iowa high school football history. He led the Chiefs to a state title in 2007. Register file photo

Brandon Wegher, RB, Sioux City Heelan: A three-time all-state pick in 2006-08. He currently sits second in Iowa high school football history in career rushing touchdowns with 119 and fifth in most career rushing yards with 6,823. He led Heelan to back-to-back Class 3A state title games, including a state crown in 2008. Register file photo

Casey Wiegmann, OL, Parkersburg: A two-time all-state pick in 1989-90. As a senior, he helped Parkersburg reach the Class 1A state title game in 1990. He went undrafted after a fruitful career at Iowa, then spent 15 years in the National Football League playing for the Colts, Jets, Bears, Broncos and Chiefs. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Vanden Bosch, DL, West Lyon: A two-time all-state pick in 1995-96. As a junior, he helped lead West Lyon to the Class 2A state title game in 1995. As a senior, he earned All-American honors and was named the Iowa’s Gatorade Player of the Year by USA Today. He went on to Nebraska and played 12 years in the National Football League. Vanden Bosch is pictured at the 2008 Pro Bowl, holding his 2-year old daughter Payten. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Stensrud, DL, Lake Mills
All-state pick in 1973. Stensrud won a state wrestling title in the unlimited heavyweight division as a senior in 1974. He went on to play for Iowa State and then played 11 years in the National Football League. Register file photo

Bob Howard, Sigourney-Keota

Record: 330-95. State titles: 3

Howard, who is known for developing a distinctive single-wing offense, developed top programs at both Sigourney-Keota and Webster City. His first trip to the playoffs came at Scranton in 1978. He currently coaches at Webster City.

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A Brandon Wegher-led Sioux City Heelan team won Roger Jansen his first state title in 2008.(Photo: Register file photo)

Roger Jansen, Sioux City Heelan

Record: 157-31. State titles: 2

Heelan has one of the state's most enduring successful programs, and Jansen has been a key figure for the Crusaders. He's had three stints as Heelan's coach, including this season.

Toby Lorenzen, Central Lyon/George-Little Rock

Record: 163-127-2. State titles: 1

Lorenzen led his program to five state championship appearances. He retired last year after 22 seasons as a head coach.

Pella's Jay McKinstrey led his team to three consecutive state titles.(Photo: (photo taken by Lee Navin on 09-)

Jay McKinstrey, Pella

Record: 191-50. State titles: 3

McKinstrey won three straight state titles from 2014-16 and a runner-up finish last fall. Between 1997 and 2017, he took 17 teams to the playoffs. This year's team is 6-0.

Steve Milder, West Central (Maynard)

Record: 235-172. State titles: 1

Milder has transitioned from 11-player to 8-player football in his 44-year career. His first trip to the playoffs came in 1978, and he's the current coach.

Butch Pedersen, West Branch

Pedersen passed the 300-victory milestone this year. He's spent 35 years coaching, all of them at West Branch.

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Ankeny Centennial's Jerry Pezzetti is one of three coaches to pass the 400-win milestone.(Photo: Register File Photo)

Jerry Pezzetti, Ankeny

Record: 412-157-1. State titles: 2

Pezzetti has coached generations of Ankeny players, first at Ankeny High and now at Centennial. He started his coaching career at Murray in 1960.

Don Prior, D.M. Roosevelt

Record: 172-78-15.

One of the best coaches in Des Moines history, Prior won 131 games for the Roughriders. He built a dominant program in the 1950s and 1960s. He retired from teaching in 1984.

Greg Purnell, Linn-Mar (Marion)

Record as an Iowa high school coach: 131-61. State titles: 3 (Iowa only)

As a coach, he was a great developer of talent and an intense competitor. He also won a state championship in Illinois in 2008. He ended a 47-year career after the 2013 season.

Kyle Vanden Bosch went from stardom at West Lyon of Inwood, under coach Jay Rozeboom, to the NFL.(Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

Jay Rozeboom, West Lyon

Record: 253-48. State titles: 3

Rozeboom established a pipeline of talent from his program to college teams. His 25 playoff appearances cover a span from 1991 to 2017.

Bob Sanger, West Hancock

Record: 336-157. State titles: 2

Sanger's 50-year coaching career includes a championship at Britt in 1973 and one at West Hancock of Britt in 1996. He currently coaches at West Hancock.

Cedar Rapids Xavier football head coach Duane Schulte talks with players after a varsity football practice on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, at Saints Field in Cedar Rapids.(Photo: Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen)

Duane Schulte, C.R. Xavier

Record: 178-79. State titles: 2

Schulte has built a program that has frequently made big accomplishments, including a Class 4A state title in 2006 and a 3A title last fall. His first trip to the playoffs came in 1996 at Cedar Rapids LaSalle.

Jerry Southmayd, Wapsie Valley (Fairbank)

Record: 241-83. State titles: 3

Southmayd earned 18 state playoff appearances, all at Wapsie Valley. He won championships in 1986, 1987 and 1997. His last playoff team came in 2001, his final season.

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Former coaches Ken Winkler (left) and Jerry Staton are members of the Register's 50 greatest coaches.(Photo: Bryon Houlgrave/The Register)

Jerry Staton, Oskaloosa

Record: 280-188-1. State titles: 1

A passionate and enthusiastic booster for the sport, Staton had 14 playoff appearances. He retired after the 2016 season, after a successful stint at Albia.

Tom Stone, Pekin (Packwood)

Record: 332-88-1. State titles: 3

Stone coached at Pekin for 42 seasons, starting in 1968, and led the program to state championship appearances in the 1970s, '80s and '90s.

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Valley's Gary Swenson, right, has demonstrated ability to win at the highest levels of prep football in Iowa.(Photo: Bill Neibergall/The Register)

Applington-Parkersburg head football coach Ed Thomas during the months following the May 2008 tornado. Thomas was shot and killed in the schools weight room Wednesday morning. Justin Hayworth/The Register

Coach Ed Thomas celebrates a first quarter touchdown during the team's first home game of the 2008 season, which was the first time the team played since the tornado. Justin Hayworth/Des Moines Regis Photo by Justin Hayworth

m0908pburg taken 09/05/08 Parkersburg,IA. Photo by Justin Hayworth -- m0908pburg1jh -- Coach Ed Thomas leads the team out onto the field for the start of their game against West Marshall Friday night. JUSTIN HAYWORTH/Des Moines Register Justin Hayworth/Des Moines Regis Photo by Justin Hayworth